Fountain of Orion

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Fountain of Orion, Renaissance fountain in Piazza Duomo, Messina, Italy.

The marble fountain features a twelve-sided base with statues representing four rivers and a central pyramid structure rising through three circular basins.

Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli, a student of Michelangelo, created this fountain in 1553 to mark the completion of Messina's first municipal aqueduct system.

The fountain depicts the mythological figure Orion, believed to be Messina's founder, standing with his dog Sirius atop spheres supported by cherubs riding dolphins.

Located in the center of Piazza Duomo, the fountain remains accessible throughout the day and serves as a reference point for navigating the city center.

Four kneeling mermen support the second basin, while four water nymphs hold up the third level, creating a complex vertical composition of mythological figures.

Location: Messina

Inception: 1553

Creator: Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Made from material: marble

Address: piazza Duomo 98122

Website: http://comune.messina.it/turismo/itinerari-turistici/fontane/orione.aspx

GPS coordinates: 38.19230,15.55210

Latest update: May 17, 2025 10:26

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